NRL ROUND 22 TEAMS — Brisbane’s Origin flyer Corey Oates has been officially cleared to return from the staph infection that had placed his 2017 season in doubt.

Oates got through Friday’s captain’s run and will take his place on the wing against the Gold Coast on Saturday, playing his first game in six weeks after fears he may have required surgery on his infected hips.

The blockbusting winger will replace former Titan David Mead in the Broncos 17 for the local derby.

Meanwhile St George Illawarra has been dealt a major blow with wrecking ball Russell Packer floored by a knee injury on the eve of their clash with South Sydney.

Late mail: Billy Slater is a confirmed starter. Jahrome Hughes remains in the extended squad and could still replace Ryley Jacks in the halves.

Wacko’s whisper: The Cowboys are expected to be 1-17 with Shaun Fensom to return from rib injury. Ryley Jacks is tipped to get the nod ahead of Jahrome Hughes, while Nelson Asofa-Solomona may yet start in place of Tim Glasby as he has done in recent weeks.

Late mail: Roosters skipper Jake Friend is in line to make an early return from a broken hand. Friend was named on an extended bench for Sunday’s match against Manly but is firming to make a comeback ahead of schedule. When asked if the skipper was a chance to play this weekend, teammate Luke Keary replied; “I think so. “He needs to get the all clear from the surgeon and doctors probably tomorrow and hopefully he’s out there.”

Wacko’s whisper: Both teams are expected to be 1-17, with Jake Friend to be kept on ice for one more week.

Wacko’s whisper: Elijah Taylor will play despite picking up a rib injury last weekend, Matt Moylan’s hamstring is unlikely to be risked.

To celebrate Retro Round, FOX LEAGUE has partnered with the NRL to give fans the chance to attend Panthers v Wests Tigers at a reduced price this Sunday. Fans can redeem the ticket offer by logging onto nrl.com/tickets and entering the code word ‘retro’ before midnight, Saturday August 5.